Ranking the 5 greatest Lionel Messi quotes on Cristiano Ronaldo

#3 It would be nice if he were still here: Lionel Messi on Cristiano Ronaldo

FC Barcelona v Juventus: Group G - UEFA Champions League

Lionel Messi noted that Juventus had become a stronger team because of Cristiano Ronaldo's presence. He was full of praise and respect for the star's prowess.

Messi also made it clear that he missed Ronaldo playing in La Liga, acknowledging that it was difficult but nice. He said:

“I have a lot of respect for Juventus. I think they are a very strong team, with very good players – and with the arrival of Cristiano, even more so. With the victory against Atletico de Madrid, they’ve got a big advantage. It was nice playing against Cristiano even if it was difficult. I enjoyed winning cups when he was at Madrid. It would be nice if he were still there."

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#2 We try to achieve the best every year: Lionel Messi on Cristiano Ronaldo

Argentina v Portugal - International Friendly

While both players were in La Liga, the honor of the league's top scorer constantly flitted between them. Cristiano Ronaldo scored an astonishing 40 goals in the 2010-11 season. Lionel Messi reacted by scoring a vibrant 50 goals in the next season. They've clearly continued to push each other to break records and reach new heights, and Messi is aware of Ronaldo's brilliance. He stated:

"We try to achieve the best every year for our team, and what is said outside of that I don't think is very important. He is a phenomenal player with a lot of quality. All the world knows, and that is why he is one of the best of the world."

He added:

"There are many admirable athletes. Rafa Nadal, Federer, LeBron - in all sports there is always someone who stands out and is admirable for his work. Cristiano stands out in football. There are many who stand out and always do their best."

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#1 He has scored goals as always: Lionel Messi on Cristiano Ronaldo

Villarreal CF v Manchester United: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Very recently, Lionel Messi took some questions about life at PSG in an interview, and he was also asked about Cristiano Ronaldo as well.

According to Messi, the Portuguese star has adapted to life at Old Trafford and is scoring goals impressively. He said:

"United are a very strong team with great players. Cristiano already knew the club, but that was in another stage and now he has adapted in an impressive way. From the beginning he has scored goals as always and had no problems adapting."

Messi further added:

"In the Premier League, [Manchester United] are not as good as we all thought, but it is a very difficult and even competition in which things take a lot of turns. After December it changes a lot and anything can happen."